Method for installing aluminum siding

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a new improved method for installing aluminum siding wherein a true level line is first established around the structure. A starter strip having a body portion greater than three inches and up to about six inches in width with a flange at the lower end thereof is installed at the true level line. A series of vertical stringer strips are attached to the structure with the squared off lower edges in substantially abutting relationship with the flange in the starter strip to thereby ensure true level alignment of clips located at predetermined distances (usually eight inches) along such stringers.

United States Patent 1191 Leddy 1451 Jan. 2, 1973 54] METHOD FOR INSTALLXNG 3.245.192 4/1966 11115011 ..s2/74s ALUMINUM SIDING 3,485,004 l2/l969 Mattes 1.52/74s Inventor: Robert Leddy, 389 Mayer Court,

Ridgefield, NJ. 07657 Filed: Aug. 13, 1971 Appl. No.: 171,615

Related US. Application Data Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 67,929, Aug. 28, I970, Pat. No. 3,662,5l0, which is a continuation-inpart of Ser. No. 875,031, Nov. l0, l969, abandoned.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1946 Herbes ..52/748 Primary Examiner-John E. Murtagh Att0rney-Dominic J. Terminello [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure relates to a new improved method for installing aluminum siding wherein a true level lineis first established around the structure. A starter strip having a body portion greater than three inches and up to about six inches in width with a flange at the lower end thereof is installed at the true level line. A series of vertical stringer strips are'attached to the structure with the squared off lower edges in substantially abutting relationship with the flange in the starter strip to thereby ensure true level alignment of clips located at predetermined distances (usually eight inches) along such stringers.

4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 'PATENTEDJANE 191s 3.707.821

INVENTOR jar! dZV BY A TORNEY METHOD FOR INSTALLING ALUMINUM SIDING This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 67,929, filed Aug. 28, 1970, now US. Pat. No. 3662,510 which is in turn a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 875,031, filed Nov. 10, 1969, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a method for installing a substantially perfectly level exterior siding job, and more particularly, to installing horizontal exterior siding, such as aluminum siding, in a quick and easy method without the use of nails or other fasteners.

There is known in the art of installing aluminum siding apparatus known as vertical stringers whereby aluminum siding may be installed without the use of nails or other fasteners. This apparatus is described in US. Pat. No. 3,131,513, issued May 5, 1964. The stringers therein described consist of vertical strips having clips located along the length thereof at predetermined distances, usually eight inches, for receiving and holding aluminum panels which usually are 8 inches in width. These vertical strips or stringers are not used to great extent in practice because such strips having predetermined clip distances require, accordingly, a perfectly aligned starter line. If the job is not perfectly laid out, the clip on the strips will be out of line and there is no tolerance for an ordinary mechanic to make adjustments. Accordingly, most mechanics up until now would not even consider using the stringers dis-' closed in US. Pat. No. 3,131,513 because it merely complicated the task of installing aluminum siding in a level manner.

In application Ser. No. 67,929, it is pointed out that the aluminum siding industry always strives .to.obtain high quality finished aluminum siding jobs. In order to obtain such a high quality job, it is necessary to get a starting line around the entire structure that is perfectly level. Once a true level line is obtained, the aluminum panels, having a given width, will automatically be in proper alignment and present a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The problem up until now has been that all methods suggested by leading manufacturers of aluminum siding for obtaining a true level line do not in fact produce a true level line around the entire structure. In addition, the sheathing on many existing structures, especially older structures, are so out of the state of being truly level that even if a true level line is established, existing starter strips for installing aluminum siding are completely inadequate. This results in the ordinary mechanic improvising to accommodate the lack of levelness resulting in a poorer quality finished siding job.

All aluminum siding installation instructions as distributed by the Aluminum Association of America indicate that a 2- or 4-foot carpenters level should be used to obtain a true level line. This technique is clearly inadequate. Any lack of levelness will be undetected in a short distance of, for example, 2 to 4 feet. As the mechanic goes around the structure, he could easily be considerably off true level using a carpenters level. The use of a carpenter's level results in a continuous doubt as to the true level; This requires constant checking and adjusting on the part of the mechanic, and even then there is no certainty of being truly level. Another deficiency in existing techniques is that every manufacturer of aluminum siding products makes a starter strip, to be installed at the true level line, which is about two inches or less in width. In many cases the difference in the level between the highest and lowest point of the end of the existing sheathing relative to a level line is two inches or greater. As the mechanic progresses around the structure, installing the starter strip on a true level line, he will come to a point where he has no existing sheathing on which to install the two inch starter strip.

Accordingly, it is a main object of this invention to provide a method for installing aluminum siding which is easy, quick, does not require nails or other fasteners and which is always perfectly aligned.

Another object is to provide such a method wherein several mechanics may start at different points on an existing structure and be certain that the vertical stringers and the clips thereon will be in proper alignment.

Yet another object is to provide a method wherein the vertical stringers are used as a means for advancing the true level line vertically along the structure.

These and other objects will either be pointed out or become apparent from the following description and drawings wherein: I

FIG. I is a perspective view of a structure on which aluminum siding is to be installed; 1

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a starter strip used in the method of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the structure shown in FIG. 1 and showing the vertical stringers engaging a panel of siding; and

FIG. 4 is a cross'sectional view of another section of the structure shown in FIG. 1 showing the vertical stringer in place.

Referring now to FIG. 1, and as disclosed in my copending application, Ser. No. 67,929, in order to start an aluminum siding job, a reference point S is selected on the existing sheathing that will be at a comfortable elevation to place a level mark. In my method the reference point S is transported to other points P, P', P" etc. by use of a water level device which preferably consists of a water hose having a length of up to about 40 feet. In each end of the hose is secureda transparent tube. In practice, the hose is filled with water. One end of the hose is placed at the reference mark S on the existing structure so that the level of the water in the tube is at the mark. The other end of the hose is placed at a second point on the structure P which may be 20, 30, or 40 feet away, for example. When the level of the water in the tube at this end matches the level of the water in the tube being held at reference point S, a second mark is made. This procedure is repeated until the entire perimeter of the house is marked. With this technique of leveling any variation from true levelness will be detected. After all the marks are made on the structure, the last mark P and the reference mark S will be in substantially perfect alignment. From the level points S, P, P, etc., the distance to the bottom of the existing siding is measured to determine the lowest point. In FIG. I, for example, the distance from the various points to the bottom of the sheathing may be as follows: S=24 inches; P=24 inches; P=23% inches;

"=23 inches; P'"=23% inches; P 23 inches; P" 23 inches; P 23 inches; P""= 22% inches; P"'"= 22 inches. Thus, the lowest point is in section A of the house and the highest point in Section B. In this example, if a conventional starter strip were installed at the bottom of the sheathing at point S (24 inches) when the mechanic reached point p"', the bottom of the sheathing would be only 22 inches and a 2-inch starter strip would not be adequate because it could not be secured to the structure and still maintain the true level. Here the mechanic would begin to improvise starting what could be an avalanching effect which will result in a poor quality job. However, in my method, I preferably, use a starter strip having a body portion 1 (see FIG. 2) greater than 3 inches up to about 6 inches in width W with nailing apertures at preferably 1 inch vertical intervals. Then from the lowest point I measure up a distance 5% inches, for example, and make another mark. I choose the 5% inches distance in this example so as to provide a i-inch overhand below the bottom of the existing sheathing when I use a 6-inch strip (see FIG. 3). I then measure the difference between the 5% inches mark and the reference point S and take this dimension and at all level points, S,P, etc. measure down this dimension and make another mark. In the example, the difference between 24 inches and 5% inches is 18% inches so that from points P to P 18% inches is measured down and a mark made. A chalk line is made connecting these points and this line (SL) will be the top of the starter strip which will be nailed to the structure around all sides, resulting in a substantially perfectly level and aligned starter strip. In the example given, the starter strip will always be level as progress is made from S to P the overhand of the starter strip will increase from a distance c one-fourth inch to a distance b 2% inches at point P In all cases, the strip will be level and will be secured to the existing sheathing.

After the starter strip is installed, the vertical stringer 9, preferably having square cut ends, are mounted with the square cut edges in substantially abutting relationship with the flange 3 in starter strip SS and secured thereto by the first clip on said stringer 9 so that the stringers are substantially exactly upright and parallel to each other. This ensures that the clips are in proper horizontal alignment. The stringers then may be secured to the structure by any desired means. The stringers are provided with clips located predetermined distances along the stringers. The stringers are placed in even parallel spaced relationship, usually on about 16- to 24-inch centers. The first panel is placed in interlocking relationship with the clips on the stringer without the need for nails or other fasteners. In the method having first leveled and aligned the starter strip and installed the vertical stringers around the structure, alignment of all clips on the stringers is ensured and, thus, alignment of all panels is ensured. Accordingly, a crew of several men can start at various points and be sure that all panels will meet properly. This reduces the time and expense in performing a job, permitting more jobs to be done at a saving to the owner of the structure, while obtaining a high quality job.

It can be readily seen from the above that the method of my invention provides a technique wherein all areas to be sided can be simultaneously leveled regardless of the design or size of the structure. Starter Strips can be installed on all areas and stringers attached all around the structure. The stringers can further be extended to areas to be sided at higher or lower elevations and this will automatically transfer the true level to other areas such as over porches, extensions or other isolated areas. Then, using the level that has been transported to such additional areas, stringers are secured to the structure thereat. Panels can then be installed in all areas of the structure by several mechanics being assured that all panels will be perfectly aligned at all interior or exterior corners, thereby providing one continuous band of panelling around the structure.

Referring now to FIG. 2, my starter strip SS will be described in detail. The strip comprises a body portion 1 having at one edge thereof a flange 3. The flange 3 terminates in a lock rib 5. Apertures 7 are arranged in vertical rows at one inch intervals with the vertical rows being spaced preferably 8 inches apart. The apertures should be of sufficient width so that the starting level line on the structure may be sighted therethrough, while being able to retain a nail or screw or other fastening means. The presence of the vertical apertures in the starter strip is important in some cases to achieve the method of this invention. For example, if the line SL is to be marked at an elevation on the structure where it is inconvenient or impossible to make such mark, such as the butt of an existing sheathing panel, an arbitrary point below the line SL at any distance which is a multiple of 1 inch can be chalked and sighted through the apertures. This will ensure that the top of the starter strip is at the line SL even though such line could not be sighted at that point.

It should be noted that one of the major advantages of my invention is that once a true level line has been marked on the structure according to my technique, comparatively unskilled mechanics can install the job and achieve quality heretofore achieved only by extremely skilled mechanics. Still further, a first crew of men could mark several structures and be followed by an installing crew which does nothing but install the siding panels.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that once the structure has been leveled and vertical stringers installed according to my method, the installing crew may come along and merely clip aluminum panelling on the structure in a most simple manner requiring a minimum amount of technical skill.

Having described my invention with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that certain minor modifications can be made to the parts or the arrangement thereof and to the means for performing the steps of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, a surveyors transit might be used in place of my water level to obtain a true level line. Also, it would be obvious, if desired or expedient, to install a panel of siding material on the starter strip and then clip the stringers on the first panel, rather than as I preferred to clip the stringer on the starter strip.

What is claimed is:

l. A method for installing a substantially perfectly level and aligned aluminum siding job on an existing structure comprising:

a. selecting an arbitrary reference mark on said structure;

b. using a device taken from the class consisting of a water level and a transit to establish a second mark at a distance from said reference mark to ensure a substantially perfectly true level with said reference mark;

c.- repeating step (b) to obtain a plurality of starting points around the perimeter of said structure;

d. determining the distance from said starting points to the lowest point on the sheathing of the existing structure;

e. measuring up from said lowest point a predetermined distance;

f. striking a mark at said measure distance;

g. determining the distance between said starting points and said struck mark;

h. measuring down from each of said plurality of starting points said determined distance to establish a second series of points to form a starting line;

i. fastening a starter strip having a body portion of greater than three inches and up to 6 inches in width to said structure at said starting line;

j. placing vertical stringers in substantially abutting relationship with said starter strip and fastening said stringers in substantially equally spaced parallel relationship;

k. and then installing aluminum panels on said stringers in clips provided therealong.

2. Method according to claim 1 wherein said device is a water level.

3. Method according to claim 1 wherein an aluminum panel is installed on said starter strip and then said vertical stringers are clipped onto the top of said aluminum panel.

4. Method according to claim 1 wherein the stringers are installed all around the structure and extended to different elevations to thereby transport the true level line to isolated areas on the structure.

t I i i i 

1. A method for installing a substantially perfectly level and aligned aluminum siding job on an existing structure comprising: a. selecting an arbitrary reference mark on said structure; b. using a device taken from the class consisting of a water level and a transit to establish a second mark at a distance from said reference mark to ensure a substantially perfectly true level with said reference mark; c. repeating step (b) to obtain a plurality of starting points around the perimeter of said structure; d. determining the distance from said starting points to the lowest point on the sheathing of the existing structure; e. measuring up from said lowest point a predetermined distance; f. striking a mark at said measure distance; g. determining the distance between said starting points and said struck mark; h. measuring down from each of said plurality of starting points said determinEd distance to establish a second series of points to form a starting line; i. fastening a starter strip having a body portion of greater than three inches and up to 6 inches in width to said structure at said starting line; j. placing vertical stringers in substantially abutting relationship with said starter strip and fastening said stringers in substantially equally spaced parallel relationship; k. and then installing aluminum panels on said stringers in clips provided therealong.
 2. Method according to claim 1 wherein said device is a water level.
 3. Method according to claim 1 wherein an aluminum panel is installed on said starter strip and then said vertical stringers are clipped onto the top of said aluminum panel.
 4. Method according to claim 1 wherein the stringers are installed all around the structure and extended to different elevations to thereby transport the true level line to isolated areas on the structure. 